Wilmington – The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has assumed an investigation into a crash that occurred in October, but has since claimed the life of Eugene Paine, 91, of Ellsworth, Maine, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the incident occurred at approximately 7:05 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2017, on I-295 southbound, just north of I-495, Wilmington. A 2015 Jeep Cherokee, operated by a 57-year-old, Somerville, Massachusetts man, was stopped in the left lane of I-295, in congested traffic.
Stopped directly behind the Jeep, was a 2010 Hyundai Sonata, operated by a 27-year-old of Hoboken, New Jersey woman. A 2013 Chrysler 200, being driven by Judith Kelley, 73, of Portland, Maine, was proceeding I-295 southbound, in the left lane, following directly behind the Hyundai. Kelley became distracted and failed to stop, at which time she struck the rear of the Hyundai, which in turn, was forced into the rear of the Jeep, according to Austin.
All parties involved in the crash, refused medical treatment at the time of the incident, to include Eugene Paine, who was the front seat passenger in the Chrysler. Paine was subsequently hospitalized in Florida, and was determined to have suffered a head injury, which resulted in his death on December 11, 2017.
At the time of the original incident Kelley was cited for Careless Driving.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. D. Alexander, at 302-365-8484. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware crime stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or via the internet at http://www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com